>it was reported that as much as 40% of the '05 almond
>crop hadn't sold.



The folllowing link, while old gives some valuable insight on almond production surpluses and/or lack thereof:
http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp2/circular/1999/99-11/almsit.htm

Note the following from this current link:
http://aic.ucdavis.edu/profiles/Almond-2005.pdf
"The Almond Board of California annually makes recommendations to the

Secretary of the USDA on the percentage of saleable almonds, if any, to be removed

from the market and placed into reserve (Agricultural Marketing Service(AMS)). The

reserve has not been used since 1994."

This suggests that the 40% surplus figure could be suspect and needs further research.

Cheers, Bob



-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and  other info ---